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The Straits Times (Sept 3 2016)
Hiring mature talent a win-win for firms, workers
The commentary on Wednesday ("Committing to rehiring process") was a timely message for employers, and is worth repeating on a periodic basis.
In supporting retrenched middle- to senior-level white-collar workers looking for re-employment, I have noticed a shift in the mindset of hiring managers and headhunters in considering candidates in their late 40s to early 50s.
As a job search coach, it is heartening and encouraging to learn of the success of those I counselled in clinching interview appointments.
Some eventually end up being hired to do jobs that are compatible with their credentials.
I also witnessed many of them regaining their self-confidence, self-esteem and that proverbial "bounce in their step".
The icing on the cake, and what really makes my day, is witnessing some of them becoming more self-aware of the need to take charge and plan their careers and lives, and enjoying the challenges of their new-found careers.
Some have also said that in hindsight, losing their jobs was a positive change.
I applaud employers who have taken the conscious step to welcome mature talent into their workforce, and I hope more will do the same.
Workers also have to do their part by keeping themselves updated and multiskilled.
It is a win-win situation that we should be focusing on - for Singaporean workers as well as employers.
Paul Heng
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